The Knights of Columbus John Paul II Council #13935 of St. Patrick’s and St. Joseph’s had another successful year. Over $17,000 was raised and distributed to various local charities. Some of these are Safe Haven, CDD, PCDC, the Food Pantry, Tri-State Pregnancy Center, Special Olympics, Vet Stock the wounded warrior project, college scholarships, Hands of Hope and Good Council Homes.

Our upcoming webinar, which will be conducted on Wednesday, April 8, at 8 p.m. Eastern time, will focus on ways to develop faith-based initiatives that are fueled by the charity, faith and fraternity of your council.

The webinar will focus on:

Centering faith-based council programs in your parish

Collaborating with your pastor

Opening our programs to our larger parish community is important, as it both engages current members and attracts new members of multiple age groups. As members of the world’s largest Catholic fraternal and family organization, we have a responsibility to dedicate our time, talent and resources to strengthening families and making our parishes beacons of the new evangelization.

Learn how to help transform your parish — register for this webinar today!

On March 29, 1882, the Knights of Columbus received official recognition as a fraternal benefit society. Now, 135 years later, the Knights of Columbus remembers the lasting impact its founder, Venerable Father Michael McGivney, has made on countless men, women and children helped by the Order.

Today, as we remember Father McGivney's legacy with Founder's Day celebrations throughout the world, we invite you to join the Father Michael J. McGivney Guild.

The intentions of guild members are included in weekly Masses, periodic special Masses and novenas. Members also receive a regular newsletter and more.

In preparation for Election Day, the Knights of Columbus is calling its members and all the faithful to join together in a novena to the Holy Trinity through the maternal intercession of the Immaculate Conception, patroness of the United States.

Join your brother Knights around the nation for this novena, beginning on Sunday, Oct. 30, and concluding on Monday, Nov. 7. The prayer for the novena can be found HERE.

Our country is in desperate need of prayer. Please ask all your brother Knights and their families, as well as your pastor and fellow parishioners, to pray this national novena for the protection, well-being and freedom of our country.

The text of the novena reads:

Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your Spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother, in union with Mary we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.

Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage.

Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the Catholic Church in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy, born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the tempted, sinners – on all who are in need.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, Patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Protect us from every harm. Pray for us,that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.

This week, even if you’re unable to make it to the Knights of Columbus 134th Supreme Convention, you can still experience what makes these three days the highlight of the fraternal year.

August 2-4, 2016, from the comfort of your own home, look to kofc.org for daily reports on events as they unfold in Toronto. Featuring news briefs, photos and links to live streaming video, the K of C webpage is your premier source for inside coverage.

The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) and its radio affiliates, along with CatholicTV and Canada’s Salt + Light TV, will broadcast on Tuesday the Opening Mass (9:30 AM ET), Opening Session (1:00 PM ET) and States Dinner (7:00 PM ET) live from the Knights of Columbus Supreme Convention site. On Wednesday will also be the Votive Mass of Mercy (8:00 AM ET), and on Thursday, the Memorial Mass (8:00 AM ET).